A SCHOOLGIRL and heart patient stars in a promotional video for the Heart of York Bike Ride

Scarcroft School pupil Scarlet Hearson features in the British Heart Foundation event video that will be screened by more than 500 cyclists at the bike ride on Sunday, September 7.

Scarlet was only 22-months-old when she underwent open heart surgery to correct an extra chamber in her heart as well as a hole in the heart. She is now a healthy and active seven-year-old, and alongside her family is an active supporter of the BHF York Committee.

In the short video Scarlet thanks cyclists for taking part, and lets them know how to stay safe during the ride. She also introduces fellow event helpers that cyclists will meet on the way, and who like Scarlet are also heart patients.

Phil McMahon, BHF York committee vice chairman, said: “Scarlet and her sister Lara are fantastic helpers at our BHF York events and so we were thrilled that Scarlet was able to feature in our first ever Heart of York video. She was absolutely brilliant at remembering her lines and following direction.

"We wanted a simple and easy way to brief groups of cyclists after they sign in at our registration desk, and screening a short video just made sense. Featuring heart patients who’ve benefitted from BHF research is a way of reminding everyone that taking part in events like the Heart of York Bike Ride helps the BHF continue to save lives every day.”

Registration is now open for the Heart of York Bike Ride at www.bhf.org.uk/heartofyorkbikeride